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12 January 2026|The Hindu
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Environment & EcologySocial IssuesNEWS

Congress Calls India's Air Pollution a 'Structural Crisis'

Congress says air pollution is a structural crisis, government response inadequate.

Background Context

The issue of air pollution in India has deep historical roots, stemming from the industrial revolution and subsequent urbanization. While concerns about air quality were raised as early as the 1970s, comprehensive national-level policies were lacking. Early efforts primarily focused on localized pollution control in industrial areas. The 1981 Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was a significant step, but its implementation faced challenges due to limited resources and enforcement capacity. The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s led to rapid industrial growth and increased vehicular traffic, further exacerbating air pollution. The introduction of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009 marked a shift towards a more comprehensive monitoring and regulatory framework, setting permissible levels for various pollutants. However, the effectiveness of these standards has been debated, with many cities consistently exceeding the prescribed limits.

The Congress party has stated that India's air pollution is a "structural crisis," citing a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The report indicates that nearly 44% of Indian cities suffer from chronic air pollution. Congress criticized the government's response as "ineffective and inadequate" and alleged failure to hold a debate on pollution in Parliament. The report found that 1,787 out of 4,041 statutory towns assessed have chronic air pollution, exceeding national standards for PM2.5 levels over five years (2019-2024, excluding 2020). Only 130 cities are covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and many lack monitoring stations. Congress called for a "thorough overhaul and reform" of the policy and increased funding.

Key Facts

1

44% of Indian cities suffer from chronic air pollution

2

1,787 out of 4,041 towns have chronic air pollution

3

Only 130 cities covered under NCAP

4

NCAP budget is ₹10,500 crores

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on addressing air pollution through initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aiming for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024 (baseline 2017). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas was established in 2020 to coordinate efforts across states. The adoption of BS-VI emission norms for vehicles in 2020 was a significant step towards reducing vehicular emissions. However, challenges remain in terms of effective implementation, monitoring, and enforcement. Future outlook involves greater emphasis on renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable urban planning. There is also a growing recognition of the need for public awareness campaigns and community participation to address air pollution effectively. The Union Budget 2023-24 allocated funds for promoting green growth and sustainable development, indicating a continued commitment to tackling environmental challenges.

2 Key Concepts to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Air Pollution, Environment Protection Act, 1986. Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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